Port authority closer to launch

Ken Dixon

Published 10:30 pm, Tuesday, April 30, 2013

HARTFORD -- A proposal to create a statewide port authority that would take over the operations of Connecticut's deep-water harbors in Bridgeport, New Haven and New London moved one step closer to reality Tuesday.

A bill to establish the port authority was approved in the Transportation Committee and heads back to the House, where officials expect it to undergo several revisions, Sen. Andrew M. Maynard, D-Stonington, said. The bill needs backing in both the House and Senate before the General Assembly session ends on June 5.

"The bill that we're passing out contains many of the components for a statewide port authority, but the ultimate product will look slightly different after conference with both members of the committee and members of the governor's staff," Maynard said. "We're just trying to get refinements and keep the bill in its current form moving forward."

The government-appointed board, with a chairman named by the governor, would be similar to the agency that is running Bradley International Airport. It would have the power to issue bonds and control development, and would also market the three ports.

Bridgeport officials, who oversee the city's port authority, have opposed the state proposal, fearing a loss of state aid and autonomy. If the state proposal would lead to a $1.5-million bailout to cover the deficit in the Bridgeport Port Authority, city officials might abandon their objections.

Bridgeport Harbor has recently seen the bankruptcy of Derecktor Shipyard and the loss of the South American banana dock, although the Port Jefferson Ferry still runs across Long Island Sound, docking on the west side of the harbor.

Compounding the problems of the Bridgeport Port Authority has been the delay of the long-time plans to dredge the harbor, because of opposition from New Haven to plans to dump the Bridgeport sediment off New Haven.

In January, the Bridgeport Port Authority's loan request to cover its deficit was tabled by the City Council, which has yet to revisit the issue. The port authority was also burdened financially by a parking lot project that was abandoned.